Community Corner

Lynn Back In On Dispatch Talks

A majority of Swampscott selectmen want to see what terms Lynn will offer for dispatch services.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor will reopen talks on contracting with Lynn for police and fire dispatcher services and prisoner lockup services.

On Tuesday, the chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen tipped the balance in favor of the talks. Chairwoman Jill Sullivan said she wants to see what economic benefits might arise from such an agreement.

Previously, Lynn had offered to provide those services for more than $200,000 a year. But now, the city's mayor is willing to meet the price Salem offered for the same services  — $100,000 annually.

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So, for the time being, at least, Swampscott has put on hold discussions about a civilian dispatch agreement with Salem.

Maylor said an agreement with either city offers advantages.

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"There is less friction, less difficulty in the Lynn relationship," Maylor said, referring to the existing ties between departments in Swampscott and Lynn.

There would be less friction over the short-term, in the next five years, he said.

Over the longterm, however, there is more of an opportunity to develop a regional civilian dispatch agreement with Salem, he said.

Selectman Matt Strauss did not favor reopening talks with Lynn. He said Salem is a better partner for adopting regional civilian services.

"I don't think ten years from now, Lynn is where we want to be," he said.

Selectman David Van Dam also favored staying with Salem.

But Selectmen Rob Mazow and Rich Malagrifa want to see what will become of talks with Lynn.

Maylor will report back to the board on the results of those talks.

Swampscott's fire chief said he is pleased the dialogue with Lynn will continue.

The two departments have enjoyed close ties going back 100 years, Swampscott Fire Chief Kevin Breen said earlier. 

The Swampscott Fire Department has received dispatch services from Lynn for 16 years, and the agreement has included automatic response from Lynn firefighters on telephone alarms, Breen said.


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